Please Lower the Prices of Windows 7 in the Philippines, Microsoft
By Rico, 9:09 am Tue Dec 8 2009 - Editorial - 5 Opinions
Recent coverage of the Windows 7 launch in Cebu leaves the impression that Microsoft isn’t worried about piracy hurting their revenues. Yet with Windows 7 prices as they are, Microsoft could be losing some buyers.
In fact, an acquaintance recently tried to buy a bootleg copy of Windows 7. What he (or she) got was simply a repackaged version of Windows Vista. Yet if this one case is any indication, it’s that the Filipino’s penchant for pirated software extends to Microsoft’s newest OS.
Filipinos have a lot less to spend, which is why bootleg software sellers are found everywhere, even in the most mainstream of malls. Quite honestly, Juan dela Cruz usually can’t pay for the real stuff, and this is a big reason why he decides to pay less for bootleg copies.
Help Those Who Buy Legit
Some of us do understand that software developers need to be rewarded for their efforts, which is why we still try to get the real thing even if it’s significantly more expensive than its pirated counterpart.
Even for conscientious buyers however, Microsoft can make things easier. When I announced the official prices of Windows 7 here in the Philippines, several readers wondered why there was no family pack. Until last week, US customers were able to pay $150 (around P6,900) for three licenses of Windows 7 Home Premium, for installation on computers within the same household.
I don’t understand why Microsoft recently ended this promo, but it’s clear that such a deal would fly well with Filipino buyers. The problem is that local customers were never given the opportunity to avail of such a thing.
Windows 7 is More Affordable in the US
In any case, Microsoft needs to rethink their local official pricing schemes. On NewEgg.com, an American-based online retailer, Home Premium retails for $183.49, or approximately P8,440. In the Philippines however, the same official sells for… P9,000! Even the most expensive edition of Windows 7—Utimate—goes for $291.99 (P13,430), compared to the local price of P16,500. We have to pay more than Americans for the same thing!
Now I know Microsoft spent millions developing Windows 7. Some would argue 7 is not fundamentally different from Vista, save for some significant tweaks that make the newer OS more responsive and less demanding on a PC. But still, Microsoft deserves to get paid for the hard work they put into improving their flagship product.
Nevertheless, Microsoft should keep in mind that Filipinos don’t spend as much as customers from more affluent countries like the US—they should price their products accordingly. Some games sold within the region are priced lower, with restrictions in place to make sure these copies only work within the countries where they’re sold. Left 4 Dead 2 sells for P1,385 locally, compared to the $50 (P2,300) US price. Can’t Microsoft follow this formula as well? It’s not like Microsoft has to pay taxes to import Windows 7 into the Philippines, do they?
Perhaps Microsoft already makes good money from selling copies of Windows 7 to PC manufacturers in the Philippines. These OEM copies are cheaper than retail versions (OEM Home Premium costs $104.99 on NewEgg), but are legally bound to the motherboard they’re first used on, and do not come with support, which is usually provided by the PC manufacturer. Since motherboards are the heart and soul of any PC, this effectively ties OEM copies to one computer.
Beyond the Reach of Most Filipinos
Still, what about Filipino PC users who have fallen in love with Windows 7, and want to upgrade their current computers to the latest version of Windows legitimately? There’s no doubt that I will upgrade my netbook to Windows 7 once I’ve saved enough money, but again, not everyone here is as fortunate as yours truly.
In other words, at current prices, Windows 7 is simply beyond the reach of most Filipinos. Faced with “no other choice” figuratively speaking, what’s to stop many local PC users from buying pirated copies of Windows 7? Especially when those Windows 7 cracks become widespread? How much business would Microsoft lose then? Wouldn’t you want to make a more compelling case for buyers to go legit Microsoft, by offering more reasonable prices?
Paolo
12:12 pm Tue Dec 8 2009
I totally agree. If prices were lower, I would buy original too–which would be a first.
Bim
3:03 pm Tue Dec 8 2009
I agree!!! BRING DOWN WINDOWS 7! I will buy a copy the minute they do.
Rico
10:10 pm Tue Dec 8 2009
And so shall I! In the meantime, I save, save, save.
Michael Arcilla
10:10 am Fri Dec 11 2009
There’s a store in Virramall that’s got 7 Professional for 8,800. That’s the best price I’ve found anywhere. I’m thinking of picking up two copies (for both of my laptops) as PART of my Christmas gift to self.
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